Course Description

Overview

This course is designed to support teachers in grades three though six with effective writing instruction across content areas. Created specifically for upper grade teachers, this course begins by focusing on direct writing instruction in a writing workshop. Participants will learn and practice specific craft and mechanics techniques that are tangible for students, supporting visible progress towards more general goals such as writing with detail, sentence fluency and voice. These sessions will also address how to support student independence within personal narrative and non-fiction units of study. The second half of this course looks at writing in the content areas, including math, science and social studies. Participants will learn a broad range of writing formats that can elevate the way students process information and engage with material learned. For each content area, participants will learn: strategies for effective writing instruction; ways to model writing formats; ways to support below-grade level writers; and how to balance the expectations of writing and content in formal and informal assessments.

Third Party Material: View/Purchase Required Course Materials

Required Text

Target Audience: All K-16 educators; Prerequisite: entry-level technology skills.

Time Requirement: 6-8 hours per week

Course Format: Eight-week, facilitator-led with weekly assignments, and 24/7 online access

Graduate Credit: 3 semester hours or 4.5 quarter hours

Technology Requirements
In addition to a computer, Internet connection (high-speed preferable), and a working email account, PLS courses have the following technical requirements:

• Preferred Operating Systems: Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Mac OS X
• Required Software: Microsoft Excel or OpenOffice Calc AND Microsoft Powerpoint. OpenOffice Calc can be downloaded for free from the OpenOffice site: http://www.openoffice.org/.
• Preferred Browsers:For an optimal experience use Internet Explorer 7 (PC), or Mozilla Firefox 2 (PC or Mac).
  Updated versions of Web browsers are free from the following links:
  Internet Explorer , Firefox , Apple Safari
• Required Web Browser Plug-In: Adobe® Acrobat® or Adobe® Reader™ This plug-in is required to view any of the PDFs within a course. Adobe® Reader™ may be downloaded for free using the following link: Adobe

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